While many care facilities are surely operating legally and ethically without the watchful eye of state agencies, the concerns raised recently about the Lives Under Construction boys ranch lead us to believe that lawmakers, and potentially judges, should review how we apply religious exemptions to residential facilities that care for children.

An ongoing lawsuit filed by three former residents of the ranch alleges boys were fondled, molested and raped by older boys while the ranch ignored the abuse and sometimes punished boys for reporting it.

There’s also an allegation that an employee was fired for reporting what he had seen.

Ken Ortman, the founder of the ranch, denies these claims. In interviews, he even questions the result of a rape conviction involving former residents of his ranch.

The alleged events occurred during a time when the ranch was licensed and therefore subject to semi-annual visits from the Department of Social Services.

Even the intervention of authorities in 2009 didn’t result in any consequences, and it raises increased concerns about what may have occurred at the ranch in subsequent years, when Lives Under Construction operated under an exemption and without a license.

Hotline calls can still be investigated, but if claims are true that ranch officials retaliate against those who make calls, then it stands to reason that calls are less likely to be made.

Removing such exemptions surely creates somewhat burdensome regulations on facilities that have nothing to hide, and that’s unfortunate. But those who spend their lives caring for young people also surely understand why this would be necessary given what’s at stake.

Still, this will be a difficult decision for some because this state has worked hard to protect religious freedoms. That’s why it could make sense to draw the line at centers that care for children and leave adult residential facilities free to claim the exemption.

We have an opportunity to be more protective of children who are potentially being raped at care facilities, and that’s an opportunity we have to take.